I remember you talking about a new laptop a while back. How do you like it?

Thanks for asking. Once I settled the Mac/PC thing, the decision itself was pretty easy.

As with any computer, integrating took a little bit of work, but it all works great now. It's got a 4-core i7 and a 7200RPM hard drive (no SSD yet - maybe in the coming months), so it handles everything very well. The old laptop really coughed and sputtered with VSTs and ASIO drivers, so this is a real pleasure. I use a Steinberg UR22 interface, and it all sounds great. I'm very happy with the choice.

I think I mentioned this before, but my priorities were speed, I/O and screen size. It never leaves the studio, so weight and portability are not a concern. Being in the "workstation replacement" category of laptops, it relatively large compared to the newer stuff, but I like the 15" display. I also drive a 22" external monitor to extend the work area.

I got an employee discount on it, but I wouldn't call it the deal of a lifetime. It was less expensive than a lower spec'd more portable laptop. I plan to use it a pretty long time (like I did with the last one), so the cost over the long haul will be justified.

I forgot to mention that I also got a ZOOM R16 as a Christmas gift. It's a great tool for recording the live band rehearsals and performances.

Mike from Central NJTools: Ten fingers, two feet, middle-age brain, questionable judgement and tasteToys: More gear than I could afford when I had talent and did this for a living